Six Flags files for Chapter 11

Six Flags Inc., one of the largest regional amusement-park companies, filed for bankruptcy protection Saturday. The company, shouldering more than $2 billion in debt, had been negotiating with lenders, selling parks and laying off staff in a race to restructure outside of bankruptcy court. But it couldn't outrun the deteriorating economy and a looming $288 million payment due preferred shareholders this August, along with $31 million in unpaid dividends. Six Flags hopes to exit bankruptcy quickly through a prearranged reorganization plan. It struck a deal with senior secured lenders that would allow it to convert $1.8 billion in debt to equity.